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Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte will be sweating on the availability of star winger Dejan Kulusevski ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace…

What’s the latest?

The Sweden sensation missed the New Year’s Day defeat to Aston Villa with a slight muscular problem and he was sorely missed as Spurs struggled to muster up many chances in the final third.

Conte gave an update in his pre-game press conference, where he rated the 22-year-old’s chances of featuring at 50%. He said (via the club’s official website):

“He’s 50-50, we have a day and a half to make the right evaluation. For sure, it’s up to the player, the decision, because if his feeling is good, is positive, he can start to play. Otherwise, we won’t take a risk,” before adding: “We have to monitor him day by day, then take the best decision. We have today and tomorrow to check the injury, and if the player gives his availability, he could play.”

Kulusevski is needed

Even if he’s involved this evening, it’s hard to imagine the former Juventus dynamo starting, given Conte’s comments on the situation and this will surely leave the Italian sweating as his side were so poor a few days ago.

Against Villa, the Lilywhites only mustered up two shots on target, with the lightweight and relatively inexperienced Bryan Gil featuring alongside Harry Kane and Heung-min Son for the first time in the Premier League.

Kulusevski provides a lot in attack. He’s a goal threat and a creative talent, and is perhaps one of the most important players in the squad. The Swede has provided six goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances across the last 11 months.

He is currently leading the squad for assists in the top-flight this campaign and only Son matches his key passes per game output, so it’s understandable that Tottenham labour immensely without him in the starting XI.

It’s no wonder Kulusevski has been described as a “non-stop machine” and an “absolute monster” by journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsar in the past, whilst the £53m-rated gem has previously been dubbed very “important” to the team by Conte himself, only adding to how badly he’ll be missed if absent again.

AND in other news, Levy could match Conte’s lofty ambition with dream Spurs swoop for £44m “phenomenon”…

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a former starlet to slot into the centre of the park this winter and could make their move imminently. 

What’s the word?

Ismael Bennacer has risen to prominence in Italy, currently plying his trade for AC Milan and starring, playing 31 times in the league last year as the club won the league title in a resounding fashion.

And now after such composed and assured performances, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set on bringing the player back to the Emirates Stadium to play a role in the Gunners’ own bid for domestic glory. 

TuttoMercatoWeb reported at the weekend that Arsenal are indeed among the interested parties, perhaps even the frontrunners, and that the player himself would be open to a move back to the Premier League, with a club he knows well from his development days. 

A return home 

Having been on the books at Arsenal for two years, the club confirmed that the midfielder, then 19-years-old, would complete a permanent move to Italian outfit Empoli in 2017, being sold by a certain Arsene Wenger for just £850,000.

Since signing for AC Milan, Bennacer has seen his stock rise like a hot air balloon, worth an estimated £37m at present, and he has now attracted the Gunners’ interest once more, who view him as a sterling opportunity to bolster the thriving midfield.

Once described as “simply amazing” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, he has made 21 appearances for Milan this term, scoring one goal and registering one assist. Bennacer has been in fine fettle, with Sofascore recording his average rating at a commendable 7.29, with his 89% pass accuracy complemented by 2.0 key passes and 2.3 tackles per outing.

And as per FBref, the Algerian dynamo ranks within the top 5% of midfielders across Europe’s big five leagues this year for shot-creating actions, while also within the top 11% for dribbles completed and 15% for progressive passes. 

It is the rounded nature of this skill set that will have caught Arteta’s eye; Arsenal will already be aware of such talents, but the way that he has grasped them and moulded them into the making of a towering midfield presence on the continental stage will bode very well indeed with the hierarchy as they plot and plan for the future. 

The 40-cap Bennacer could also come as an alternative for Youri Tielemans, who the Gunners are reported to hold heated interest in, with a view to a deal emerging this winter or upon the expiry of his contract next summer.

With other potential suitors likely to circle like sharks for the Belgium technician, Bennacer could be a shrewd alternative, with suggestions that Arsenal allegedly begrudge the decision to depart with the ace five years ago.

Injury analyst Ben Dinnery says that Everton winger Andros Townsend could return from injury ‘quicker’ than expected.

The Lowdown: Continuing his recovery

Speaking as a pundit during Switzerland’s 1-0 win over Cameroon at the World Cup for ITV, the 31-year-old shared that he was continuing his rehabilitation in the Middle East, but he refused to be drawn on a potential return date.

He has not played at Goodison Park since March after suffering an ACL injury, but there will be hope that he can make a return in the second part of the season.

The Latest: Early return for Townsend?

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery has claimed that Townsend continuing his rehab in the Middle East instead of back at Finch Farm could give him a ‘boost’, resulting in him potentially returning to the pitch ‘quicker’ than initially thought.

The injury analyst said: “Psychologically, just a change of environment away from Finch Farm with a bit of sun on your back, of course, that’s going to help. Who wouldn’t want to get away from England at this point in time?

“It gives you a different outlook and you’re away from that emphasis and focus on yourself and sometimes that gives you a boost.

“Players are tracked but we’re talking about Andros Townsend, a professional who has been at the top of his game who is never in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

“He understands his body, he knows what needs to be done and he’s focused on that recovery. From what I understand, he is a player who you could put your explicit trust in.

“I think it’s a good thing for him. I don’t think it hinders him in any way, shape or form.

“Again, it’s an opportunity to access some support. I don’t know if he’s there or not, but we have the Aspetar clinic which is based out in Doha and considered to be one of the leading authorities in medical care and rehabilitation.

“It’s an opportunity to have a different pair of eyes on it and go through a different stage of training. All of this culminates in getting Andros back and hopefully a return to play is quicker than you would normally see.

“I don’t see any issues with him being out in Qatar.”

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The Verdict: Could be a welcome boost

Of course, Everton need to ensure that they do not rush Townsend back after such a serious injury, but his return could be a welcome boost for Frank Lampard and the team.

At 31 years of age, the winger is one of the more senior players in the squad, and he boasts plenty of Premier League experience.

He has been involved in relegation battles before, with the Toffees last season and also during spells at the likes of QPR, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace; and given their position in the table, Everton may need to count on that experience once more.

The £40,000-per-week winger may not find himself on the pitch too often from now until the end of the campaign, but Townsend could well turn out to be a key figure in the dressing room.

Sunderland have a talented crop of young players in and around the first-team set up this season and the future is looking bright at the Stadium of Light.

The likes of Daniel Neil, Edouard Michut, Jewison Bennette, Anthony Patterson, and Jack Clarke are all up-and-coming players who will be hoping to fulfil their potential in the years to come.

However, the Black Cats have not always had the best of luck with promising young gems. One player who left before he could make his mark in the first team was wing-back Bali Mumba and that is a shame, in hindsight, as he would be perfect for Tony Mowbray in 2022.

During the 2018/19 campaign, then-manager Jack Ross played the academy product in four League One matches and named him in the starting line-up twice after seemingly being impressed by his displays in the youth side.

The Scottish boss was the first head coach to hand the dynamo a league start, as he had only played three minutes of Championship action prior to that season.

However, Phil Parkinson then arrived in the dugout to replace Ross and did not hand the youngster a single appearance in the first team during the 2019/20 campaign, which led to the gem’s exit from Wearside.

He was sold to Championship side Norwich City for a reported fee of £350k, as he entered the final year of his contract at the Stadium of Light, in the summer of 2020.

Mumba won the second division title with the Canaries and made one appearance in the Premier League the following campaign before being loaned out to Peterborough, where he played 13 times.

The full-back, who journalist Josh Bunting dubbed “magnificent” was then sent out on loan to Plymouth Argyle in League One this season and he has been in terrific form for the club so far, averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.01 across 17 appearances.

For reference, that is a higher rating than current full-back/wing-backs Lynden Gooch (6.77), Dennis Cirkin (6.76), Trai Hume (6.73), and Niall Huggins (6.70) managed in the third tier for the Black Cats last season.

Mumba has racked up three goals and seven assists in his 17 league outings for Plymouth as he has caught the eye whilst playing as a left wing-back, although he is also capable of playing on either flank in a back four or five, and can play in central midfield.

Therefore, the 21-year-old, who has been described as a “baller” by Yannick Bolasie, would be brilliant for Mowbray in the current Championship season.

The Sunderland head coach has switched between a four and five-back formation throughout the campaign and Mumba’s versatility, along with the outstanding quality he has shown ahead of the current options in those areas, make him a perfect fit for a dynamic tactical set-up.

What could have been…

Unai Emery has held further talks with Aston Villa officials over potential signings, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: ‘Huge’ January budget

The 50-year-old has officially begun work in the Midlands ahead of his first game in charge at Villa Park against Manchester United this weekend.

The Spaniard already has his eye on the January transfer window and is set to be backed with a ‘huge’ budget in the New Year from owners NSWE.

Villarreal pair Nicolas Jackson and Yeremy Pino have already been linked with a reunion with Emery, who has held more talks with Villa officials.

The Latest: Further talks

Football Insider shared a story on Sunday afternoon where they spoke to pundit Tam McManus.

They added in the report that the latest from their ‘Villa source is that further talks have taken place among the club’s recruitment team and Emery about potential targets’, and therefore his first signing in charge of the club.

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The Verdict: Good news

It is good to see that Emery and Villa chiefs are being proactive ahead of the New Year, which you’d expect could be a busy time in regards to both incomings and outgoings.

A left-sided centre-back appears to be high up on Emery’s wish list, which has left Tyrone Mings’ future in doubt; and with Jackson and Pino also linked, additions in the final third could also be a priority.

Hopefully Villa will be laying the groundwork during the World Cup for winter arrivals, and the sooner they secure Emery’s targets, the better.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their Champions League meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday evening.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Premierinjuries.com (via London World), who report that Harry Kane has a 75% chance of featuring in tomorrow evening’s European fixture, despite the fact the 29-year-old was withdrawn in the 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday after taking a knock to his ankle.

Speaking after the weekend’s win, the England international said of his injury: “The ankle is OK, no twist or anything, so I’m pretty sure it’s fine.”

Great news for Conte

Considering the remarkable form Kane has been in for Spurs this season, in addition to the fact that a win against Eintracht would put Antonio Conte’s side in a very strong position to go on and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, the news that Kane is more likely than not to be available for the fixture is undoubtedly a huge boost for the Italian.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League appearances so far in 2022/23, the £70m-rated centre-forward has been in sensational form, having already scored eight goals, provided one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.4 shots – 1.8 of which have hit the target – and making 1.9 key passes per game.

Not only do the £200k-per-week attacker’s return of eight goals rank him by far and away as Tottenham’s top goalscorer in the current campaign – with Son Heung-min second on three – but his average SofaScore match rating of 7.47 also sees the 29-year-old rank as his club’s best overall performer in the league.

Furthermore, while Kane is yet to find the back of the net over his three Champions League outings this season, the striker has still taken an average of four shots per game – the most of any Spurs player in Europe’s most prestigious club competition – proving that the 75-cap international is very much still his side’s most dangerous attacking threat.

As such, it is clear to see that the news Kane has a 75% chance of being fit to feature against Tottenham’s Bundesliga opposition on Wednesday evening is great news for Conte and his side, as, even if the Italian decides to leave the centre-forward on the bench as a precaution, the 29-year-old undoubtedly possesses the ability to change the game upon his introduction.

Wolves may be having problems in the Premier League but their academy side are continuing to impress as they sealed their spot in the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday night.

After defeating Shrewsbury Town 2-1 in their opening fixture thanks to a late brace from Joe Hodge, James Collins’ side repeated the trick against Stockport County last night to ensure their progression from Group C.

Goals from Lee Harkin and Tyler Roberts earned the Old Gold all three points, with only a late consolation from Conor Jennings putting a dampener on another impressive win and performance from the youngsters.

One man who staked a claim for a first-team spot with his performance was the much-discussed Chem Campbell, who is emerging as one of the top talents in Wolves’ academy.

As per SofaScore, the 19-year-old winger would earn a sold 6.6/10 rating for his display, with his creative ability clear to see throughout the 90 minutes, as he contributed three key passes, which was the most of any Wolves player to feature.

The teenage winger was heavily involved in Wolves’ attacking play, having two shots on target, one shot blocked and one shot hit the woodwork during the game, so he was clearly unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Considering Wolves’ lack of goals and shots this season, with just three strikes in seven Premier League fixtures and only 2.86 shots on target per game thus far – the third worst in the division – Lage might consider promoting Campbell to the first team in the hope that he could ease their attacking woes.

Express and Star journalist Liam Keen was particularly impressed with one of Campbell’s solo runs during the game against Stockport County.

He said: “Chem Campbell, wow. A sublime solo run almost results in a goal, but the goalkeeper tips it around the post. He’s been slightly quieter this half but is clearly a cut above this level.”

Campbell is clearly ready to be making his mark in senior football and with no loan move possible until January, a spell in the first team could well be on the cards for the teenager, especially when you consider the poor form of fellow wingers Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes and Hwang Hee-Chan, who have just one assist between them this season.

The Wales U19 international managed nine goals and nine assists in the Premier League 2 last season, so if Wolves continue to toil in front of goal, then Lage should consider unleashing Campbell in the first team, having afforded him just nine minutes of senior action so far this campaign.

The Athletic’s Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has shared ‘good news’ on the injury sustained by Rodrigo last month. 

The lowdown

The Spaniard was forced off 32 minutes into last week’s clash against Everton at Elland Road as he dislocated his shoulder, interrupting a scintillating start to the 2022/23 season for the player.

Prior to the clash against the Toffees, he had scored four goals and provided one assist in the Whites’ first four Premier League matches of the campaign.

Leeds’ injury list also includes right-back Rasmus Kristensen (knock), Junior Firpo (knee) and Stuart Dallas (leg).

The latest

Hay says that the exact timeline for Rodrigo’s return isn’t clear but emphasises the big positive that the player doesn’t require surgery, as that would have significantly delayed the 31-year-old’s comeback.

Responding to readers on The Athletic’s matchday forum from the weekend clash against Brentford, the journalist revealed: “Prognosis is 3-4 weeks. Marsch did say it could be slightly shorter or longer either way but good news is that he doesn’t need surgery. That would have been a much more substantial absence.”

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The verdict

Rodrigo’s injury was particularly ill-timed as he was in perhaps the best form of his Leeds career.

He had never previously scored in three consecutive Premier League games prior to last month and is already within two goals of his entire 2021/22 tally (via Transfermarkt).

Jesse Marsch went further still, saying that the Spaniard had been in the ‘form of his life’ and hailing him as a ‘massive’ figure for the team who has been ‘all-in’ with his commitment to the cause.

It’s not just the goals which will be missed until Rodrigo’s return. He also contributes off the ball, ranking in the 92nd percentile among forwards in the big five leagues for both interceptions and clearances.

Also, having donned the armband in three of the team’s five matches so far this term, he brings leadership qualities to one of the top-flight’s youngest squads.

West Ham United have now ‘made an offer’ to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Thilo Kehrer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

With summer signing Nayef Aguerd sustaining an ankle injury during the Irons’ pre-season defeat against Rangers, not to mention Issa Diop being on the verge of joining Premier League rivals Fulham, it’s no secret that David Moyes needs to bolster his defensive ranks.

Sheth recently claimed that the Hammers held initial talks over a potential move with the 25-year-old Kehrer, who has entered the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 giants, and it looks like a switch to the London Stadium could well be on the cards.

The Latest: West Ham make Kehrer offer

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports journalist has now confirmed that West Ham have submitted an official proposal in an attempt to secure Kehrer’s services. He wrote:

“West Ham United have made an offer to sign PSG defender Thilo Kehrer.  West Ham are awaiting a response. They have other options they will pursue if they can’t reach an agreement with PSG.”

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The Verdict: Diop replacement

If the Irons do manage to get this deal over the line, it would be a massive coup for Moyes, who you would imagine views Kehrer as a suitable successor to Diop.

The 20-cap international, hailed a ‘complete player’ by Germany manager Hansi Flick, stands at 6 foot 1 so could bring some height to the Hammers’ backline, but last season also recorded a 94.7% pass success rate in Ligue 1, highlighting his most impressive trait – the composure to play out from the back.

Kehrer’s versatility to play at both centre-back and right-back will also be attractive to Moyes, and he would be a welcome addition to the West Ham squad in the middle of a defensive crisis.

Can’t get enough of West Ham? Get a live stream reminder for their next match: Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United

Journalist Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato has shared some new information for Tottenham supporters involving Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs chase Zaniolo…

The Lilywhites are believed to be chasing the 23-year-old as sporting director Fabio Paratici gears up for Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in the dugout in N17.

Deals have already been done for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence this summer as the north Londoners remain very busy in the transfer market.

Paratici is apparently still in the market for a creative midfielder and potentially a new centre-back, with Aouna sharing the latest on Tottenham’s pursuit of Zaniolo.

The Latest: Aouna shares Zaniolo ‘info’…

Taking to social media on Monday morning, the Foot Mercato reporter shared ‘info’ involving Spurs and Zaniolo. Indeed, he claims the north London club are set for imminent fresh talks to sign the nine-cap Italy international.

Aouna explained (via Twitter): “Info: New discussions planned this week between Roma and Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

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The Verdict: Get it done…

As per WhoScored, Zaniolo finished 2021/22 as one of Roma’s best attacking threats, completing more take-ons per 90 minutes than any of his team-mates, whilst also attracting the most fouls in that time.

The starlet also possesses a physicality which seems tailor-made for English football, standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, an aspect of his game which could be attractive to both Paratici and Conte.

A concern for Spurs could well be Zaniolo’s injury history at the Stadio Olimpico, yet the player’s aforementioned quality could make him a worthy punt depending on the asking price.